Mexico City Policy

The Mexico City Policy requires that “nongovernmental organizations agree as a condition of their receipt of Federal funds that they will neither perform nor actively promote abortion as a method of family planning in other nations.” Simply, it prohibits Federal funding of abortion overseas.

Opponents of the Mexico City Policy claim that countries with a high demand for family planning are hurt by Mexico City Policy. It is simply not true.

In fact, Congressman Bart Stupak (D-MI) explained during the debate on the House floor that “U.S.-funded family planning increases dramatically in countries where USAID has found the need to be greatest.” In 2007, when the Mexico City Policy was reinstated, family planning funding increased dramatically as compared to 2002 when the Mexico City Policy was rescinded.

Country

2002 Funding

2007 Funding

Increase

Ethiopia

$4.9 million

$19.5 million

298%

Haiti

$4.9 million

$11.0 million

144%

Pakistan

$1.4 million

$16.5 million

1079%

Uganda

$5.2 million

$9.8 million

88%

Nigeria

$11.8 million

$20.0 million

70%

DR Congo

$1.0 million

$9.0 million

800%

Kenya

$6.0 million

$11.4 million

90%

Tanzania

$4.0 million

$9.6 million

140%

Afghanistan

$0

14.5 million

up from $0

India

$11.9 million

$17.0 million

43%

DFLA Mission Statement

Democrats For Life of America advocates and supports programs and policies that respect and promote life from conception to natural death. This includes, but is not limited to, opposition to abortion, capital punishment, and euthanasia. Learn more...